Corrections: Convict serving sentence not freed but under house arrest

Maldives Correctional Service has denied allegations on social media claiming a convict serving a prison sentence in connection to sexual abuse of a minor while in position of trust was freed.

In a statement on Friday, Corrections said Hashim Abubakr, Andhaleeb, HA. Hoarafushi has been serving a prison sentence since 2022.

Hashim was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor while in a position of trust in 2022. He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years, 5 months and 18 days in prison.

As per Corrections, Hashim has suffered from a back problem since 2022. The authority’s Medical Board granted him approval to travel overseas on August 5^th upon being advised by doctors as the surgery he was required to undergo was not available in the Maldives.

Corrections said he returned to Male’ following his treatment last Saturday.

“Hashim Abubakr is temporarily under house arrest to enforce his sentence due to his medical state with him being unable to receive treatment as recommended by the doctor if he were remain in prison,” the statement further read. 

Corrections affirmed that the authority was monitoring Hashim in accordance with its procedures.  

Allegations on social media claiming Hashim has been freed prompted serious backlash against the government. As per social media allegation, Hashim was freed as he has family links to a ruling party lawmaker.